SAL Rescues 120 Dogs from Puppy Mill
By Mark Mirabella, Resident of Berkeley Square
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SAL Executive Director Rick Chaboudy removes
animals from a puppy mill recently broken up in Tarpon Springs. |
Suncoast Animal League (SAL) is a local animal rescue group
based in Palm Harbor, FL. This group of committed volunteers
provides animal rescue as well as adoption services for cats and
dogs and other animals all over Tampa Bay. SAL recently made
headlines for its part in the rescue of 120 dogs from a puppy
mill in Tarpon Springs.
SAL Executive Director Rick Chaboudy says that the public is
very important to him because it offers tips and leads about
abused or mistreated animals. The puppy mill that was shut down
is just one example. According to Chaboudy, it was run out of a
house that was well-maintained in a pleasant Tarpon Springs
neighborhood. A tip, however, led the Pinellas County Sheriff’s
deputies and SAL volunteers to the site.Chaboudy has been
with SAL for nearly two years of its 22-year history. He
previously served as executive director of the Humane Society,
Pinellas County for 20 years. SAL rescues both cats and dogs,
but primarily cats, and even occasionally helps wild animals as
the need arises. SAL rescues well over 1,000 animals each year
and the number continually grows.
SAL has occasional fund-raisers, which include pet walks, 5k
runs, wine tastings, and holiday-themed events. Chaboudy states
that fund-raising is critical now. With SAL’s recent rescue of
120 dogs, its veterinary bills are large. |
SAL’s adoption fees can run from $35 for cats and $55 to $100 for
dogs. Fees include spaying or neutering, microchips and all
vaccinations. Animals available for adoption are on display each
weekend at the PetSmart near the Countryside Mall in Clearwater.
Anyone interested in adopting an animal through SAL can visit the
adoption center there. A volunteer will verify background
information. Renters must provide proof that they are allowed to own
a pet and that the animal meets the apartment’s size and weight
restrictions.
Potential owners are always welcome and, of course, volunteers are
very much appreciated. If you can, please consider adopting one of
these friends for life. Those interested in volunteering or adopting
a special cat or dog can call the organization at (727) 786-1330 or
visit its Web site at
www.suncoastanimalleague.net.
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